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Deliverance At Dawn
by Piercing light overrode the pre-dawn glow over the Sea of Galilee, its brilliance casting silver streaks across the ripples on the water's surface. Thousands of eyes focused on the spectacle. It was too early for the sun's entrance. Halting their sinister activity, the demons probed for the source of the light invading the dark, early-morning canopy. Uneasy, tense silence gripped their attention, the atmosphere above the sea becoming explosive. "Oh no, it can't be!" shrieked a grotesque being. "That brilliant light could only be one thing: the Host of Heaven!" "But, why so many?" snarled another evil spirit. The one called Legion hissed, "It could only mean one thing. 'HE' is here!" Bolder demons ventured in closer to investigate. "It is HIM, sleeping in the boat with His disciples," a demon scout reported. "An opportune time has been granted us. We can take Him out." Huddled together like a pack of killer wolves, they plotted their battle plan. Legion announced, "An unexpected attack using the wind and sea will silence the Son into the depths, forever." The deadly hordes sped across the sky, spinning like tornadoes across the water. It became a churning caldron, choppy and violent by demons repeatedly plummeting into the Sea. Others spun through the air surrounding the boat, battering it with a tempest's rage. "PEACE. BE STILL!" As if struck, the demons were hurtled backwards. The Son's command carried the authority of the Father. Stung in defeat, they made a hasty retreat, the water and wind calming in their abrupt departure. **** Vicious winds buffeted the coastline, the menacing gale carrying the demons to their quarry. The encounter with the Son now behind them, hideous laughter mingled with the wind's cruel whispers. "Quickly!" their commander growled. "He'll awake shortly." **** The respite of sleep rarely concealed Jeran from night terrors. Four demonic sentries guarded him. Whenever boredom seized them, they injected petrifying images into his dreams. With dawn imminent, their comrades in vileness would soon regroup for their daytime jaunts with the human prisoner. The emaciated figure began to rouse from fitful slumber. Jeran sat up abruptly. Panic seized his troubled mind, his body rigid with fear. Just a few moments of lucid thoughts before my tormentors come for me. Tears stung his eyes, his heart aching for the comfort of his wife and children, his longing for them, and peace of mind, so intense, so demanding, but utterly impossible. "Oh God, help me..." The four sentries laughed. "He'll never help you." One taunted, "You belong to us." Moving to the cave's entrance, Jeran heard the wind gaining momentum. They were coming for him and soon he would be under their control, enacting their every whim. Riding in the wind that tugged at his unkempt hair, their icy blast assaulted his naked body. Shivering, Jeran tried to steel himself as they entered him. The frigid sensation engulfed his being as Legion took possession of his body and soul. Jeran's scream filled the valley of tombs. Grabbing a sharp stone he began to attack imaginary creatures crawling across his skin. Slashing at the invisible monsters, he gouged deep cuts in his flesh. "Look, there on your leg. A creature is biting you." The demon's hellish laughter haunted his mind. The evil spirits felt a shift in the atmosphere and paused from their brutal play. "HE's come here!" Legion screamed. While sporting with Jeran they hadn't noticed the men coming ashore, nor the Son entering their territory. With their grip relaxed, Jeran looked up and saw Yeshua. Instantly, Jeran was drawn and ran, falling on his knees before Him. Desperation spoke through his eyes. "Come out of this man." The Son demanded. The demons recoiled in horror. "Don't send us from our region." Legion begged, relinquishing his hold on Jeran. Jeran's mind began to clear as the demons now ignored him. Looking into Yeshua's eyes, he felt his soul come alive, peace flooding into his mind. Jeran sensed the demons leave his body in a rush of wind. His face immediately mirrored the softness of a man in his right mind, the vacant stare of madness, gone. "Yeshua, please, let me come with you!" Jeran pleaded, overcome with gratitude for his deliverance. With love and eyes that communicated real peace, Yeshua said, "Jeran, go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, how He has had mercy on you." Jeran knew Yeshua was right. He was well again, a man now possessed, with peace. He could go home! ________________________ Adapted from Mark 5:1-20. NIV Karen Elengikal is an inspirational, published writer from Sydney, Australia. Karen's first book 'Kidz Battle Zone' was released in 2007. (see FW Book Review). 2006 Karen Elengikal My Websites: www.Godinspired-PhotoArt.com www.kidzbattlezone.com Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |